the Obituary of Donald Lee Janssen

Donald Lee Janssen passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka, Calif. He had recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Don’s family thanks the staff at Fairchild for their thoughtful care in his last days. His family was able to say their goodbyes and he left this life surrounded by love.

Son of Philip (Babe) and Clara Janssen, and younger brother to Richard, Don was born in Wenatchee, Wash., and spent his early childhood growing up next door to the family business, a corner grocery store. His childhood there was blessed with extended family, and his memories were filled with good times, especially with his best friend and partner in mischief, his cousin Jerry Miller. For a few summers, Don’s parents operated Garland Springs Resort outside of Index, Wash. This gave Don and his brother the opportunity to roam the countryside and have adventures – when their chores were done. The next stop was Seattle, where Don was able to have a close relationship with his paternal grandparents, Reverend Wert and Augusta Janssen. It was in Seattle that his love of fishing took hold and he found every opportunity and fishing hole the area had to offer.

When Don was a teenager, his family moved to Ventura, Calif., where he then graduated from high school and Ventura Community College. After a brief marriage, Don was fortunate to gain full custody of his son, Eric. It was during his time at Ventura Community College he met the woman who was to become his wife, partner in fun, and best friend, Candace Clifford. They married in 1964 and became an instant family of three. Eric was followed by brother Marc and sister Trina.

Don started his career with the Agricultural Department while in Ventura and continued in that field for the rest of his professional life, working in Newman, Crescent City and finally, in 1976, Yreka, where he stayed until his retirement in 1999. When Don wasn’t working, he was a man who was passionate about the arts. He was a skilled at the piano, guitar and autoharp and was a prolific painter and writer. He grew up Lutheran and raised his children as an example of living spiritually aware and in service to others. Don loved sharing his talents with any church he attended, and, after retirement, visiting Beverly Manor regularly, playing music and singing old hymns to the residents.

If you didn’t know Don, the essence of his being was love and pride for his wife and kids, his kindness, and the good memories he had of his childhood that he would share with everyone who would listen. He loved being social and was the life of every party. His passing will leave a great hole in the lives of the people who knew him, but it is a great comfort to know that he is now in the company of those who have passed before, particularly his parents, grandparents and brother.

Don is survived by his wife Candy; children Eric, Marc and Trina as well as their spouses, and also six genius grandchildren, each of whom he loved and doted on.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Yreka.

source: Girdner Funeral Chapel